Democrat Could be 1st Muslim in Congress

Posted on Sep 13, 2006

From the AP: “A state lawmaker could become the first Muslim elected to Congress after edging out three rivals Tuesday for his district’s Democratic nomination.” He fended off accusations about past associations with the Nation of Islam, which he has previously denounced.

AP:

A state lawmaker could become the first Muslim elected to Congress after edging out three rivals Tuesday for his district’s Democratic nomination.

Keith Ellison, 43, prevailed after overcoming questions about parking tickets, overdue taxes and his ties to the Nation of Islam. Because the district has long been dominated by Democrats, he will be a heavy favorite to win the Minneapolis-area seat in November.

Ellison courted the liberal wing of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party by comparing himself to the late Sen. Paul Wellstone ? and many voters responded. Others relished the chance to elect a minority to Congress from Minnesota for the first time; Ellison is black.